Al Jazeera to import 1000 hours of BBC programmes

Arabic news and documentary channel, Al Jazeera, has signed an agreement with BBC Worldwide for a package of 1000 hours of factual programming.

Arabic news and documentary channel, Al Jazeera, has signed an agreement with BBC Worldwide for a package of 1000 hours of factual programming. The deal includes Wildlife, History and Science titles, as well as current affairs documentaries.

Al Jazeera will use the BBC programmes for the launch of its new Arabic Documentary Channel that will start broadcasting later this year via Arabsat and Nilesat.

"We are looking to repeat the success of our main news channel with a strong selection of BBC titles on Al Jazeera Documentary," says Mohamed Al-Fadhala, manager of the new channel.

"Al Jazeera is one of the major players in the Arab and Middle East TV market and we are sure that their new channel will be a significant addition to the media landscape in the region," adds Alison Homewood, sales director and deputy managing director BBC Worldwide, Europe, Middle East, India & Africa.